GETTING ready to 'balik kampung' is more than just preparing food and clothes for the long journey ahead.
There were 12,407 road accidents reported during Ops Selamat 20 in conjunction with the 2023 Hari Raya Aidilfitri festive period. The total number of deaths recorded was 146 compared to 145 from the year before.
Thus, it is also important that your vehicle is road-ready to keep you and your family are safe and comfortable throughout.
This can be done with some basic checks, such as ensuring that your vehicle has been serviced and is good to drive through to your destination and back.
Inflate your vehicle's tyres according to the pressure recommended by the manufacturer. Check to see if your vehicle's tyres have a sufficient thread for long-distance driving, or get it checked by a mechanic.
Ensure no warning sensors appear on your vehicle's dashboard, or else bring it to a trusted workshop if there are.
Also, ensure that the battery water has been topped up sufficiently. And make sure you get enough sleep and rest before you embark on a long journey.
"Safety is paramount and this should always be the first thing on our minds as we plan our balik kampung journey. I hope road users will take the necessary precautions to ensure that they safely reach their destinations for Hari Raya," said Allianz Malaysia Berhad and Allianz General Insurance Company Berhad chief executive officer Sean Wang.
From now until April 14 April, Allianz General will standy its fleet of more than 300 tow trucks to readily assist its policy holders in the event of a breakdown or accident.
The Allianz Road Rangers will be stationed at strategic locations across the country that are accessible to major highways.
The comprehensive roadside assistance includes quick repairs if possible or towing to an accredited workshop for various vehicle segments - including private cars, motorcycles, goods-garrying vehicles, and electric vehicles (EV).
"We have more than 3 million motor policies and it is important that we are able to provide them with the best assistance and services, especially in their times of need. Our Road Rangers will be deployed at various locations to provide the necessary roadside assistance," added Wang.
From now until April 14 April, Allianz General will standby its fleet at strategic locations that are accessible to major highways.
Allianz General maintained a 20.7 pct market share within the general insurance industry for motor vehicles as of Dec 31, 2023.